Position Preview: Introducing Your 2008 Illini Linebackers

That's Martez Wilson, starting strong-side linebacker for the 2008 Illini. He is an absolute monster and one of the key recruits of the Ron Zook era. His strength and speed make him a potential All-American. If he performs at that level this season then the Illini defense has a chance to be special with Vontae Davis at corner and a deep, talented defensive line up front.

Also starting at linebacker is Britt Miller. As J Leman's replacement in the middle, this linebacking unit is his to lead and it will be Britt's ability to make the pedestrian tackles up the middle that goes a long way toward deciding whether this unit is great, or just good. Britt's such a monster, I'm not too concerned.

Senior Rodney Pittman looks to be the third starter at linebacker. He was recruited out of Maryland and will start for the first time. I don't know much about him but if he wins a starting job in this defense he must have some talent.

Next on the depth chart will likely be Ian Thomas, Sam Carson and Dustin Jefferson. I don't know much about these guys but it's good to see Thomas and Jefferson, a redshirt freshman and sophomore respectively, so high on the depth chart. I hope they make a lot of hits and knock some heads off this season and build some confidence for seasons to come. Jefferson is from Kankakee, IL which, as Kraig Horstmann will tell you, is a city filled with beasts.

Also in the linebacking mix are these guys:

- Russell Ellington, Fr.
- Conor Gillen, Jr.
- Nate Palmer, Fr.
- Justin Staples, Fr.
- Evan Frierson, Fr.
- Clay Nurse, So.

Ellington may be the cream of this crop. He was part of a nice snake by Zook last Fall when Ellington and Jason Ford (RB) changed over their commitments from Iowa to Illinois. Good choice, boys. Palmer was a three-star out of Simeon (same school as Martez) and Staples was a three-bagger out of Ohio. Frierson is another potential beast out of the D.C. area. Gillen and Nurse I haven't heard much about so I just assume they are beasts but haven't made a name for themselves yet.